Experimental Investigation of Horizontal Gasifier

Abstract

Vertically fixed-bed updraft gasification systems are well established, however, due to vertical orientation, the thermal zones of the gasifier are fixed, i.e. the residence time in a vertical gasifier is fixed, which sometimes creates clinkers of biomass materials having higher ash content and are responsible for discontinuation of gasification process. Considering the above problem, it was thought to move the zones (All the gasifiers has four zone named as drying, pyrolysis, reduction and combustion). Their positions are changing as per the temperature of the gasifier rather than moving the biomass. In order to overcome the limitations of a vertically fixed-bed updraft gasifier, a batch type 10 kWth capacity horizontally fixed-bed updraft gasifier concept was introduced.The system was designed, developed and successfully tested to prove that the concept was viable. The horizontally fixed-bed configuration of gasifier resulted in an increased particle residence time as compared to a vertical fixed-bed system, in which gravitational forces create lower residence time. Additionally, it enhances particle to metal surface contact which results in enhanced heat transfer to the particle, thus increasing fuel conversion efficiency. A horizontal gasifier produces less tar and particulate matter compared to a vertical updraft gasifier.